Our primary aim is to enable the children to become independent thinkers and priority is given to developing their mental skills. We make them aware of the pattern in number and of the relationship between the operations and we teach a range of strategies to assist them in their calculations. The importance of estimation is recognised and we encourage a systematic approach to problem solving and the use of an extensive vocabulary to explain their reasoning.

The children learn to be methodical and to understand the need for accuracy in measurement. A variety of IT programs aid learning and a published scheme helps to reinforce the fun, practical activities and introduce the children to formal recording.